At midnight, the villagers threw a party to celebrate Fenrius' successful heist of yet another cargo. Thanks to the boy's strategic planning, the gang of children remained unscathed, a striking contrast to their previous experiences in his absence.

The bar was warm and inviting, with a crackling bonfire that danced in time to the music. The gentle strumming of the guitar caressed their ears, while the singers' voices resonated from the depths of their hearts. The villagers clapped and sang in unison, reveling in the festive atmosphere.

As the infectious excitement reverberated within the bar, the trees outside joined in the rhythmic dance, swaying and rustling in the wind as if they were conducting a harmonious symphony for the night's revelry.

In the kingdom of Atria, a tale unfolds,

Of a boy who walks the night, his story untold.

They call him the Witching Night Boy,

A magical being who brings hope and joy.

Under the moon's gentle glow, he appears,

Stealing from the wealthy, calming their fears.

Redistributing treasures to the ones in need,

A silent hero, performing selfless deeds.

From Nightville's slums, he emerges at night,

A symbol of hope, a defender of what's right.

No one knows his origins, his secrets he keeps,

But his actions speak louder than any words or creeps.

Oh, Witching Night Boy, mysterious and bold,

With a heart full of compassion, your story's told.

Through the darkness you roam, a beacon of light,

Bringing equality and justice, shining so bright.

Oh, Witching Night Boy, your legend will remain,

A symbol of compassion and dreams to attain.

Through the darkness we'll carry your flame,

And let your spirit guide us, always the same.

The song continued, recounting the valor of many children as the folklore of Nightville. Their noble deeds gave birth to the song of acclaim they sang.

As the rain poured down, it heightened the festive atmosphere, and the accompanying thunder added to the liveliness of the gathering. Laughter echoed through the air as glasses were raised in toasts, and they celebrated with utmost joy and happiness.

Fenrius wiped away his tears as he watched the villagers sway rhythmically to the percussive beat, losing themselves in the music. The beggar boy had never expected that his sacrifice would be commemorated in a song, and now everyone in the village knew his name.

The clatter of iron armor filled the air as a group of soldiers marched toward the inn frequented by travelers, overpowering the music with their presence.

The forceful swing of the bar door startled everyone inside. The General of Atria, his armor adorned with many emblems on his chest, caused the villagers to fall into a hushed silence as the Atria troops entered, their expressions etched with anger. It was an ominous sign, especially for their general, whose face contorted with rage, as if smoke were billowing from his ears. He was getting dizzy thinking about this village again.

"Cursed you stinking street bastards!" ranted the Atria General. "This is already the umpteenth time our supplies have been stolen! You must be held accountable, you thieves!"

The villagers exchanged confused glances, unable to comprehend the general's furious rant. After all, during the soldiers' previous visit, they had thoroughly searched every house in the slums and found no evidence of missing supplies. Even the putrid stench wafting from the village sewers seemed incapable of deterring their return.

"Sorry, General Riggs, but what you're talking about has absolutely nothing to do with us," one of the villagers replied dismissively, before taking another sip of his drink.

Enraged, General Riggs stormed over to the villager and grabbed him by the collar. "Don't pretend you don't know, thief! If my patience runs out, don't expect to be alive tomorrow!"

Interrupting the confrontation, a brave black-haired boy spoke up. "The thief you mean is not here," he declared boldly, his audacity capturing their attention.

It was Fenrius, the beggar boy who refused to remain passive when he witnessed soldiers adorned in majestic, radiant armor trampling over impoverished, ragged peasants. After battling formidable beasts and enduring torture, his gaze held defiance as if nothing could intimidate him anymore.

Releasing his grip on the villager, the general approached the boy, his voice filled with authority. "I've heard rumors of a children's gang that has been targeting our couriers! Provide me with an explanation if you wish to avoid a beating!"

"Children fighting against armored soldiers with weapons? Are you joking?" the boy scoffed. "It's more plausible that there's a black sheep among the ranks, nestled under the same roof as you."

The general's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Another Atria soldier stealing their own supplies?! Tell me their name or present me with evidence!" he demanded.

"Who knows?" the boy replied nonchalantly.

The infuriated general grumbled angrily, "You insolent brat! There can be no spies or traitors within our ranks. But if there is another theft tomorrow, we will raze this village to the ground! Consider this your final warning!"

General Riggs, unable to endure the villagers' odor anymore, slammed his hand on the table and stormed out of the bar, his soldiers following suit. Their departure cast a solemn hush over the once-vibrant atmosphere, and the villagers were reminded of the foreshadowing disaster that Atria soldiers could bring about next time.

The villagers collectively released a sigh of relief, exchanging knowing glances and suppressing their laughter. But then, laughter erupted throughout the bar as everyone joined in, resuming the festivities.

Fenrius' smile broadened, finding solace in the joviality that surrounded him. On their previous encounter, the soldiers had caused great harm, claiming the lives of three villagers and leaving several others severely wounded. Once again, the boy had come to the village's rescue, not with a sword or punches, but with his silver tongue and selfless heart. He was a lucky boy.

"Hey, Fenrius! Are you planning to steal their supplies again?" one of the villagers inquired.

"Of course, otherwise they'll grow suspicious," Fenrius replied.

"But what if they decide to destroy the village?" another villager voiced concern.

"If they dare, we will stand and fight," Fenrius declared with confidence.

Thanks to the boy's courageous actions, the noble spirits of the villagers were awakened. They had pledged their support to him, no matter the circumstances, and understood that if one of them were to go to war, they all would join the fight.

"You can't continue stealing, Fenrius," the bar owner asserted in response to the boy's statement. "You have already done more than enough for this village. Without you, we might never have found the strength to come together."

"That's exactly why I did it!" Fenrius stubbornly insisted. "I had to swipe things to protect this village, you know, without anyone finding out!"

"Fenrius, please reconsider," another villager cautioned, concern etched on his face. "If you persist, they will increase the guards protecting their shipments. Playing with fire will only result in getting burned."

Fenrius fell silent, realizing the weight of their words. He reluctantly accepted their advice and yielded to their pleas. "Alright, I suppose I have no other choice," he conceded, pushing his chair back and making his way out of the bar.

The serene and lengthy night drew to a close, with the rain and thunder gradually subsiding, only a few individuals remained in the bar, savoring their final sips of beer.

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Passing through an alley in the slums, Fenrius moved the carpet he used to sit on while begging, revealing a secret door leading to an underground sewer. He went down there which was the headquarters of the children's gang, where there was a lot of their stolen cargo. He entered a secluded room and saw that most of his friends were fast asleep.

Lying on his little mat under the leaking roof, Fenrius reflected on the recent events that had angered the Atrian troops. He acknowledged the repercussions of his actions, and this bitter realization prevented him from sleeping.

Fenrius couldn't even recall the faces of his parents from his earliest years, but he found gratitude in his existence as a beggar and a thief, despite the humiliation it entailed in the Runeverse. However, as he pondered upon the rhymes of the song once more, his negative thoughts dissipated, and a comforting warmth enveloped him. Gradually, his eyelids grew heavy, until drifting him into his dream while the echoes of the song continued to resonate.

Fenrius was greeted by the apparitions of his deceased friends in Nightville, each holding a blazing torch and wearing serene smiles. However, as he approached them, they dissolved into wisps of wind, leaving him longing for their presence. The melodic song that had accompanied him throughout the dream faded into silence, and the scenery transformed into the foreboding black mountain of Gronoa.

Ascending the mountain with an eagerness to embrace the breathtaking view, Fenrius discovered a grim sight with each step. Corpses littered the path, belonging to villagers, adventurers, and countless others. A chill ran down his spine as he realized that the number of casualties multiplied with every stride he took.

Reaching the summit, he encountered a figure shrouded in black robes, surrounded by fallen bodies. This figure, who had once been an inspiration to Fenrius, turned his head, revealing a draconic eye that seemed to pierce into his very soul.

As the shadow covering the figure's face dissipated, Fenrius was startled to discover that it wasn't the same Dawnstrike Assassin he had encountered at the bar, but rather a matured version of himself. The realization left him speechless, pondering the meaning behind this unsettling revelation.

From the summit, young Fenrius beheld the harrowing scenes his adult self had witnessed. Rising smoke from ravaged fires filled the air, accompanied by the relentless thunder of cannons. Buildings crumbled and collapsed under the weight of destruction. Gradually, the anguished cries and desperate screams of the villagers below reached his ears, echoing the adult Fenrius' understanding that the war would never cease.

As he stood there, gazing upon the devastation, a profound sadness washed over young Fenrius. Even from this distance, he could feel the tangible pain and suffering of the people below, leaving an indelible mark on his heart.

As the dream gradually faded, Fenrius awoke with tears streaming down his face. The remnants of the dream clung to his consciousness, evoking a sense of purpose within him. His body felt burdened as if crushed under the weight of iron, and he could feel his wounds from the battles aching all over again. Though he couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind the dream, he never forgot the lessons imparted to him in that haunting vision.

***

As Fenrius stood before the memorial, his heart heavy with the memory of the fallen, a renewed sense of purpose coursed through his veins. The names etched on the stone served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Nightville Warriors who had fought valiantly for their village. Leaving the memorial behind, Fenrius stepped into the embrace of the morning sun.

The villagers were already immersed in their daily tasks, sweeping the yard, tending to crops, and washing clothes by the lake. The gentle touch of the morning dew brought a refreshing chill to the air, offering solace and tranquility, untouched by external disturbances, especially free from the presence of neighboring soldiers and their forced cultivation system.

Fenrius walked through the village, welcomed by warm greetings from the villagers like a moon surrounded by stars. Many of them expressed gratitude for the food and money he had provided, but he humbly said that he could not have done anything without the help of the Nightville Warriors.

His calloused hands were a testament to the hardships he had endured, and he deeply understood the struggles of the farmers and the crucial significance of a successful harvest. The village's prosperity relied on their crops, and he felt a sense of responsibility for their well-being.

"Fenrius!" called out a boy from a distance.

While Fenrius was engrossed in a comfortable, safe, and peaceful conversation, a boy pushed his way through the crowd toward him. His friend Dale appeared with a pale white face and intense eyes as if he had witnessed something horrific. He expected Fenrius to feel the same horror that he was feeling right now.

"What's wrong, Dale?" Fenrius asked, concern etched on his face.

"Fenrius, quick! Follow me!" Dale replied urgently.

Fenrius narrowed his eyes, sensing the unease in Dale's trembling body. Something was clearly not right. They left the village behind and ascended the highlands of Gronoa, offering a sweeping view of Nightville and its streets. However, on the plateau, Fenrius was met with a devastating sight. He recognized the lifeless body of his friend, Yaevin, an elf, who had been cruelly bound to a tree.

Fenrius carefully examined Yaevin's wounds, his heart sinking with each observation. His head bore swelling and lumps, while scars covered his body. The warmth and life that once inhabited Yaevin had been extinguished, leaving behind a cold and rigid shell. The beautiful day had transformed into a tragedy, and Fenrius trembled with grief.

"This can't be...Yaevin," Fenrius whispered, devastated to witness the loss of another friend. "Dale, what happened to Yaevin?"

"I-I don't know. When I left the village, Yaevin was still alive. But then, later on, I found his body in the forest," Dale stammered, his voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and sadness.

Fenrius felt a surge of anger welling up within him upon hearing this revelation. His face contorted with fury, and a burning desire for vengeance coursed through his veins. However, he remembered the bar owner's warning about the importance of maintaining composure, at least for the time being. Dale, perceptive to Fenrius' unspoken grief, sensed that something significant must have happened between Fenrius and the Atria soldiers at the bar last night.

"Dale, gather the others. We need to meet up like we always do," Fenrius said, his voice firm and determined.

Following Fenrius' instructions, Dale quickly returned to the village to make preparations for an upcoming meeting.

*

A few hours later, Dale led the children through a narrow alley in the slums. The alley eventually led to a dead end, but hidden within that dead end was a secret passage that led to an underground well. This was where their gang of orphans would often gather.

As they gathered in the dimly lit chamber, the news of Yaevin's death hung heavy in the air. Everyone was in a state of shock, and Fenrius and his five friends convened to discuss the gravity of the situation.

Addressing his companions, Fenrius asked with a grave expression, "Does anyone know where Yaevin might have gone before he passed away?"

A red-haired girl with clear eyes timidly raised her trembling hand. It was Kagari, and Fenrius always remembered the request from the late Mandee when he looked at the little girl—he knew that he had to keep his promise.

"The last time I saw Yaevin," Kagari said nervously, her heart racing, "he said he was going to sneak into the forest to snoop."

Dale, unable to comprehend the loss, exclaimed in disbelief, "I can't believe how someone as strong as Yaevin could end up like that. It seems he must have been outnumbered, judging by the scars on his body. But, Fenrius, do you think those guys who did it know who we are?"

Fenrius took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, "You know, our gang has made a name for ourselves in different places, but this is the first time we've faced something like this in our two years of operations. We can't say for sure if they went after Yaevin on purpose or if it was just some random attack. We gotta find out more and be extra cautious."

Luca interjected, "Fenrius, you're giving them too much food and money. Are you sure the village will help us if something goes wrong?"

"Necessity knows no law, Luca. I'm confident they'll come to our aid if we get caught. It could be our last resort, another arrow in our quiver," Fenrius replied.

"But this time it's different. We weren't caught; we were killed in an instant," Luca replied, his body shivering with fear as he imagined the same fate befalling him.

Camus, their buddy, came up with a plan. "Hey, guys, how about we grill those Atria soldiers in our next mission?" he suggested.

"Are you crazy, Camus? Yaevin is gone, and the next mission could be a trap!" Luca objected.

"I will avenge Yaevin!" Camus shouted fiercely.

Dale intervened, "Calm down, Camus! We can't act without thinking. It would be like walking into a suicide mission!"

The room fell silent after Dale's outburst, putting an end to their bickering.

Fenrius held his head, feeling dizzy, and had the urge to slam his head on the table. This was how he always reacted when he lost his closest friend.

In his troubled mind: (“If it was true that the Atria soldiers had beaten Yaevin, then it meant that he had refused to divulge the identity of the Witching Night Boy. Yaevin must have suffered, knowing that there was no one who could come to his aid.”)

Still, no one spoke. One of the torches had already gone out, leaving only a few remaining, in the midst of the darkness of the Runeverse.

Finally, Fenrius broke the silence, "If we choose to proceed with the interrogation, we must be prepared to eliminate the other soldiers. It won't be as simple as our usual cargo theft operations. In theft, we only need a distraction, but during interrogation, we must fully commit to the fight. This plan is like a double-edged sword; if we fail, we might be wiped out clean."

In the midst of the somber atmosphere, Fenrius noticed Kagari's trembling body. She appeared extremely unwell, with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Kagari, are you alright?" Fenrius asked.

"Fenrius, when you're not around, it's actually Yaevin who acts as the swindler," Kagari confessed, her voice trembling with tears. "There was a moment where the soldiers caught a glimpse of Yaevin's face. Yaevin told me to keep it a secret from all of you..."

Kagari's face turned pale as she nervously tugged at her own hair. "I don't know... I have a bad feeling that something will happen to us, sooner or later..."

Fenrius clenched his fists tightly, overwhelmed by guilt as he realized that his own sacrifice for the village had not been enough. He understood the significance of his role within the children's gang, like a crucial cog in a machine. His friends meant the world to him, and losing one of them felt like another blow to his spirit. He was aware that everyone held him responsible for whatever had transpired, and instead of being there for them, he had abandoned them.

A soft voice spoke, belonging to a young elf girl with long, flowing blonde hair. "Friends, I have to admit, I agree with Camus. I really want to make those soldiers pay for what they did to Yaevin."

"Talindra, you too?" Dale muttered.

"I still can't believe Yaevin had to go through that. It keeps me up at night. We used to chase rainbows and laugh together. I want to do something to honor him, even if it means risking everything," Talindra said, her words reinforced their unity and strengthened their resolve.

Fenrius began to ponder something of great significance to him. He reminisced about how they, as orphans, had always shared food, tended to each other's wounds, and made sacrifices in times of need. They had experienced both joy and sorrow as a tightly-knit group.

Many years ago, the late sister Elle gathered poor children from various far-flung places, and the late Zachs trained them in the art of survival. Despite being unwanted and abandoned by society, fighting together in this cruel world bestowed upon them a unique sense of beauty. They held a special place in each other's hearts.

Fenrius spoke with a somber tone, his words carrying a weight of responsibility. "In a mad world, where the rules are meant to be broken, and conformity is seen as the rebellion, we gotta stick together. When our friends stumble, we'll be there to lift them up. And if someone tries to take them down, we won't let them get away with it. That's why Zachs formed this gang, remember? As the last survivors, the seven of us promised to explore the Runeverse together. Yet, I failed to save Yaevin when he needed me the most. As a leader, I made a fatal mistake, and the path to redemption is the only way to earn back what I lost."

As the group shared glances, a silent understanding passed between them. Dale chimed in, "Alright, Fenrius, what's your order?"

Fenrius' eyes looked onto each of his comrades, conveying a fierce resolve. "Tonight, we're going on a hunt."